Listed below are our main services, click on the one that interests you to find out more or simply scroll down to read about each one in turn. If the specific service you require is not here we can probably still help you so give us a call to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Upgrades

Have you noticed your computer getting slower and slower? The internet seems to take forever? Applications take an age to load? Can't play the latest games or run the latest software anymore? Or perhaps you are simply running out of disk space?

We can breathe new life into your PC by upgrading some of its key components. We can expand its capabilities by upgrading the hardware, add additional features or increase your efficiency and productivity.

Even if your system is fairly new, you may need a few enhancements to accommodate your growing collection of digital photos, movies, files, or video games.

We will come to your home or place of business and advise you what improvements can be made to your computer system(s).

Software Installation & Set-up

Dedicated Support Days

Many small businesses don’t have dedicated in house computer support. Why should they? It simply doesn’t make financial sense for a small business. That’s where we come in. We can offer regular support days where one of our professional engineers carries out an agreed number of tasks from uploading the latest drivers to relocating equipment for you. You can book an engineer once a week, once a month or whatever frequency suits you. We can even do much of this work remotely which saves us time and you money!

Hardware Recommendation & Supply

We’re able to provide you with anything from a cable to an entire office infrastructure. And we’re totally independent so we won’t push a particular manufacturer’s equipment; we will always recommend the right equipment for the job. Even better, we can supply it, set it up and show you how to use it effectively; a far cry from some of the “box shifting” retailers.

Broadband Installation

Are you getting frustrated with pages taking forever to appear in your web browser or waiting 30 minutes or more just to download a picture sent from a friend via e-mail? Then you need broadband.

Whether you’ve already bought the equipment but are having trouble installing it, or you don’t know were to start, we can help. We have experience with all the main carriers including BT, NTL, Wanadoo, Tiscali, etc. and we are totally independent so we can guarantee you the best advice. We can provide you with just the installation and set-up service, or we can also provide all the equipment.

Networking

Business

Your network is vital to your business, we can resolve any immediate issues you have and advise on everything from traditional networks to the implementation of a wireless network.

We can supply and setup "off the shelf" and bespoke server systems and workstations to suit your individual requirements. Whether wired or wireless access is required we will give you all the options. We will ensure your data is safe and secure and train you and your staff in networking best practice. A visit to your premises is all that is needed so we can listen to your needs and create a quotation to suit your budget. There is no charge for the initial consultation.

Home

If you have two or more PCs in your home, have you considered networking them?

A network allows your computers to share files, a printer, and an internet connection. Even better, a wireless network is the cutting-edge way to connect all of the computers in your home.

Wireless networks are perfect for people who want to connect laptop and desktop computers, or for people who want internet access from anywhere in the house or garden. All the family can have their own internet access separately so there will be no more arguments over whose turn it is to use the PC.

Internet Firewall Protection

Business

As internet usage has grown, so have security threats, and the problems and risks are getting worse. For example, did you know that viruses cost businesses $13 billion in 2001, $20-$30 billion in 2002, and $55 billion in 2003. (Source: Trend Micro report 2004)

Virus Detection, Removal and Protection

Does it seem like there's a gremlin inside your computer? Programs behaving erratically? PC rebooting on its own? Strange windows popping up? It could be a virus.

Did You Know? A test by a specialist software security company during a recent software virus outbreak revealed that an unprotected PC was infected within 27 seconds of being connected to the Internet!

No matter what kind of PC you have, you need the latest antivirus software and you need it to be updated regularly.

Not only do antivirus programs protect your computer from damage, but they also prevent you from accidentally passing viruses to family and friends when you send emails or share files.

If you're unsure about which virus software to install or how to configure it, just ask Creative Solutions. We offer virus removal, protection and internet security tools for your PC.

If you’re concerned about your PC's security, we can advise and install the necessary virus protection and security tools to protect you.

Data Backup & Recovery

How much valuable data have you stored on your machine… from family photos to MP3 music files to important documents?

When did you last back up? Imagine right now that your computer suddenly crashed and everything on your hard drive was lost forever! It’s not a matter of if your computer will crash but when.

If you’re running a business and you haven’t backed up your data then the issues are potentially much more serious. A system crash could stop you trading for hours, days or even weeks, and you could even be breaking data protection laws by not keeping your data safe and secure.

Did you know?

• 34% of companies fail to test their backups, and of those that do, 77% have found back-up failures (Source: Home Office Computing Magazine)

• 93% of companies that lost their data centre for 10 days or more due to a disaster filed for bankruptcy within one year of the disaster. (Source: National Archives & Records Administration)

It’s worth noting that ALL disk drives fail, regardless of brand or type. We can show you how to back up or if you haven't got any backup devices we can supply and fit cost effective and tailor made backing up solutions for the home or business to suit your needs, ranging from basic CD-rewriters to high capacity external hard drives with fully automated scheduled backing up software.

Independent Consultancy & Advice

Need advice about upgrading or solutions for your home or small business?

We provide advice and consulting to suit your individual needs. Has your system grown unwieldy? We can perform hardware, software and network audits so you know exactly what you have before you decide to invest or upgrade.

VoIP (FREE Internet phone calls)

VoIP stands for Voice Over the Internet Protocol. It works by converting a voice signal into data which is then transmitted over the Internet like any other data such as an e-mail. This information is then re-assembled at the other end and converted back into an audible voice. The main advantage of doing this is that most people these days have a fixed cost local internet connection which allows them to transmit data anywhere in the world at no extra cost. This same principle applies to VOIP so you effectively get calls to anywhere in the world at no extra charge.

Whether at home or within your business, VoIP technology can save you a fortune and bring a number of other advantages.